Dear Friends,
Here we are at the first Sunday of Lent! I am excited for this opportunity this year. The question we must consciously grapple with is what are we doing this Lent? If you have not yet settled on this, take time this weekend to do so. Many ideas were included in last week’s column and of course creativity is encouraged. But be sure to make a plan, even if you decide to change it up from week to week.
May I bring the following to you attention and for your consideration. We are in the midst of a three-year national Eucharistic Revival. The Bishops are encouraging us to deepen our understanding, appreciation, and love for Jesus who is truly, really, and fully present to us in the Eucharist, the Most Blessed Sacrament. The consecrated Host is not a symbol or memorial but really is Jesus. As a parish family, we want to focus our Lenten journey this year on Jesus in the Eucharist. Our theme for this is “Sharing in the Body of Christ.”
To that end, we have inaugurated a Eucharistic Challenge. We are seeking 500 (or more) signatures on the poster board in the narthex. Who signs it? Everyone who visits the Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament, and every time they visit Him during Lent. So, the challenge to each of us is to make room in our busy calendars to come to Chapel or Church and spend 15 minutes (or even longer) with Jesus in prayer. Pick a time this week and jump right in. If you are not sure how to spend your time with Jesus, resource helps are available on a cart near Chapel. Speak to Him from your heart and be quiet to listen to Him. Then do this again the following weeks.
Another very simple suggestion but one that takes planning and effort, is to come to Church ten or fifteen minutes early to pray to Jesus and prepare your heart for Mass. These moments will help you transition from everything going on in your life, including the ride over to Church, and help your mind and heart to be receptive to God’s Word in the readings and to enter more deeply into His love during the Sacrifice of the Mass.
Jesus loves us with a love beyond all comprehension, with a love more vast than the entire universe. He died on the Cross to set us free from sin and death. By His resurrection, He offers us His grace and love to be all that God has created us to be.
Carpe diem is an old Latin phrase which translates, Seize the Day! It’s a call to action. Let us seize this day and come to the Lord who abides with us so humbly in the Eucharist. May this Lent truly be blessed and fruitful.
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
